Honest Van Life Adventures and Reviews

Category: van life trips (page 1 of 2)

Skegvegas Vanlife Festival 2023 – An Unexpected Surprise

Booked on a whim and in the midst of a great depression, I booked a last minute ticket to a van life event in Skegvegas. Ok so it was nearer to Boston but it turned out to be Lincolnshires Biggest Vanlife event. Here’s my video of what was like

Skegvegas Vanlife 2023

If you dont want to watch the video was ti any good. Hell yes. Despite having I would say a couple of thousand van’s there it still managed to retain a certain charm and atmosphere but that was no doubt helped but the good, if somewhat windy weather.

It’s definitely worth going to and indeed getting there early unlike me to really make the most out of the weekend as theres no staying overnight on a sunday. This is friday to sunday event.

Will I go again. For sure. Despite it not being a event I would say you would make friends at due to its size and the hipster nature of it, read the cliche of guys wearing baseball hats, short sleeve Teese and a long beard is becoming a touch cliche now, it’s well worth a visit if you are in the vicinity.

Other than me ripping on the hipster style of things the only bad thing I have to say about Skegvegas Vanlife is the fact it’s so far away from where I live.

Is It Legal to Sleep in a Van in the UK? Let’s Dive Deep!

Alright, fellow van lifers and wanderlust souls! 🚐âœĻ

Is It Legal to Sleep in a Van in the UK? Let’s Dive Deep!

Ah, the age-old question every van lifer in the UK has pondered at least once: “Can I catch some Z’s in my camper while it’s parked on the side of the road or in a layby?” Well, let me break it down for you, and trust me, I’ve been there, done that, and got the t-shirt.

The legal landscape is a bit of a maze. We’ve got the Caravan Sites & Control of Development Act, and then there’s legislation protecting our nomadic friends, the gypsies and travellers. The law sometimes sees our beloved motorhomes or campervans as “caravans.” And guess what? Sleeping inside might be termed as “human occupancy.” Yep, it’s all regulated by the Caravan Sites & Control of Development Act.

But here’s the good news: there’s no specific UK law that says, “Hey, you can’t sleep in your vehicle.” 🎉 However, and this is a big however, always be mindful of where you park. If you’re thinking of setting up camp somewhere that’s not a designated campground, remember, most lands in the UK have an owner. So, if you’re eyeing some “wild camping,” always get the landowner’s nod. If not, you might be in for some legal trouble.

For my Scottish van lifers, you’re in luck! Wild camping is legal in Scotland, thanks to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003. But for those in England and Wales, you might want to stick to places like the Lake District or parts of Dartmoor.

A golden rule I always follow: arrive late, leave early, and always respect the place you’re in. And if you’re wondering where to park your campervan in the UK, I’ve got a few tips up my sleeve. Sure, campsites are the safest bet, but if you’re looking for a free spot, local supermarkets can be a gem. There are also lay-byes, park & ride facilities, and woodland car parks. Just make sure it’s legal, and you won’t wake up to a ticket on your windshield.

Lastly, if you’re parked near a public highway and not causing any obstruction, you’re generally good to go. But, be prepared for a midnight knock from the police asking you to move. On private property, always, and I mean always, ask for permission. Some parking lots, like those at supermarkets, might let you stay overnight. But places like NHS parking lots? It’s a no-go.

A Few Handy Resources for My Fellow Van Lifers:

Remember, van life is all about freedom, adventure, and respect. Stay safe, stay legal, and keep on vanning! 🚐ðŸ’Ļ✌ïļ

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Inside Van Life: A Week-Long Adventure at Pevensey Bay Caravan Park

Greetings, Nomad Nation! 🚐

My wheels have rolled into a new corner of the world, the picturesque Pevensey Bay Caravan Park. As I set up my temporary home amidst the stunning scenery of the UK’s coastline, I can’t help but feel a sense of thrill for the week that lies ahead.

This time, it’s not just about the open road and the uncharted path. It’s about anchoring down, experiencing a different pace of life at a caravan park, and truly immersing in this unique setting. I’m stepping into an experiment, challenging myself to capture every nuance of this adventure and sharing it with you, my dear Nomad Nation.

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5 Exciting Adventures to Embark on With Your New Van

Owning a van opens up a world of possibilities for adventure and exploration. Here are five exciting activities you can enjoy with your new van.h

1. Embark on a Road Trip

A van is the perfect vehicle for a road trip. Its spacious interior can carry all your essentials, making long drives comfortable and enjoyable. Explore new cities, visit landmarks, and take in the scenic routes. The journey is just as important as the destination when you’re on a road trip.

Road Trip Enjoying a scenic drive during a road trip.

2. Go Camping

With the right modifications, your van can transform into a cozy camper. This allows you to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort. Park in a beautiful location and have everything you need right at your fingertips. Don’t forget to equip your van with the best portable showers for a comfortable camping experience.

Camping Camping under the stars with the van.

3. Take a Surfing Trip

If you’re a surfing enthusiast, your van is the perfect companion. It has ample space for all your surf gear, allowing you to drive to the best surf spots with ease. Plus, you can sleep in the van, letting you catch the first waves at dawn.

Surfing Ready to hit the waves after a good night’s sleep in the van.

4. Go Mountain Biking

Your van can easily transport mountain bikes, making it ideal for a mountain biking adventure. Drive to the best trails and have a comfortable place to rest and recover after a day of biking.

Mountain Biking Resting after a thrilling day of mountain biking.

5. Plan a Fishing Trip

For those who enjoy fishing, a van is a great asset. Store all your fishing gear in the van, and even plan multi-day fishing trips with the convenience of sleeping in the van.

Fishing Enjoying a peaceful fishing trip with the van.

Your van is more than just a vehicle; it’s a ticket to countless adventures. With the right accessories and modifications, you can enhance these experiences even further. Whether it’s adding a pop-top roof for extra sleeping space, installing a kitchen unit for cooking meals, or adding a bike rack for carrying bikes, the possibilities are endless.

Embrace the van life and start your adventure today!

UK Vanlife Festival 2023: Honest Review & Experience

After last year’s unforgettable van life uk festival (check out my review here), I couldn’t contain my excitement and anticipation for the next instalment. Promised to be the UK’s largest van life event, I wondered if scaling up would compromise the genuine festival atmosphere and allow sponsorships to dominate. Well, let me regale you with tales from Vanlife Fest Festival 2023, where the vans roamed free, the traffic jams were epic, and the laughs were aplenty.

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Campervan Campout 2023 Reviewed

In an effort to attract a more diverse (and younger crowd) the Camping and Caravan club teamed up with the Warner group UK to host the Campervan Campout. Can the old school Caravan and Camping crowd attract the van life community or was this just a cash in?

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Unique Van Life Festival Must-Haves

If you’re a van lifer, you know that festivals are a great way to meet other van-dwellers, explore new places, and have some fun. But with so many different festivals to choose from, it can be hard to know what to pack. Here are a few unique festival must-haves for van lifers:

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Gwen Gwen Festival Kidwelly 2022 Review

2022 was the first year of this festival, funded by the European investing fund and billed itself

GwÊn Gwen is an independent music + art festival held in the historic market town of Kidwelly, on the beautiful Welsh coast.

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The Gwen Gwen Festival is an annual event that takes place in Kidwelly, a small town located in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The festival celebrates the local Welsh culture and heritage, with a focus on music, art, and food.

Gwen Gwen Festival 2023 Tickets

The festival will be back for 2023 from Fri, 11 Aug 2023 18:00 – Sun, 13 Aug 2023 23:00 BST. Tickets can be purchased via eventbrite.